@Steven Pietrobon, I agree VLS-1 belongs on the 100% failure rate list. But is it confirmed that Super Strypi will not launch anymore? (sorry for goeng of topic)
I've been wrong on some thing.
VS-43 in
PNAE 2005-2014 is a single stage S43 sounding rocket. The upper part is most likely the ESA/Airbus MAXUS payload system.
I also got the impression that Germany is developing much of the technologies for VLM-1.
linkOHB/MT Aerospace have developed a new production method for composite solid rocket casings. In
OHB's 2015 annual report on page 71, it is reported that MT Aerospace will start a project in 2016 funded by DLR. For this project MT Aerospace will develop and build three solid rocket casings, most likely S50 stages. They will be used for testing the Brazilian VLM-1 launcher. It also states that the engine test is planed for 2018. (in the 3Q report it was stated that the S50 engine would be tested at the end of 2017. And the dimentions of S50 were stated a 1,45m diameter and 5m boss to boss length.
I also found out that DLR has funded studies for a hot seperation system for the S50 stages (2th stage burning before seperation). And DLR has been studiing a
hybrid upper-stage for VLM launcher.
There could be a possibility that MT Aerospace will build the S50 Casings. Brazilian companies/government will build the nozzle (and possibly igniter) and execute the fuel loading operation in Brazil. For launches from Europe the loading operation can take place at AVIO (Italy) or Nammo (Norway).
I think DLR will continue the VLM-1 development without Brazil when Brazil's funding and progress stalles the launcher development. DLR and ESA need the VS-50 and VLM-1 to execute launches of some suborbital technology development flights. (MAXUS sounding rocket, Expert, SHEFEX III, and possibly some HyFiRE sounding rockets).
I think the VSISNAV (altitude control system test) flight, that was planned for the second half of 2017, can still take place around this time. It will most likely launch on a VS-43 (S43) or S43-S44; S43-S40; S43-S40-S44.
For Brazil it might be interesting to develop composite replacements for the S30; S40 and S43 after the S50 development has been completed. Possibly OHB/ MT Aerospace will allow a Brazilian company to use there technology, or they might set up a Brazilian business unit for this. We shall see.